San Bernardino National Forest, CA, October 20, 2016 – Investigators from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) have concluded the investigation of a bear attack on a Southern California man last Monday. CDFW is unable to confirm the current location of the bear. No further efforts will be made to trap and/or euthanize the bear. On Oct. 10, a 54-year-old hiker on national forest lands near Sierra Madre in Los Angeles County saw a bear on the trail in front of him. A few moments later, a second bear attacked him from the side, causing severe but not...

Big Bear, CA, May 10, 2016 – It’s springtime again and young wildlife are emerging from their dens and nests and beginning to learn the ways of the world. Because of this increase in wildlife activity, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife reminds people to leave young wildlife alone if they come across them in the wild. The improper handling of young wildlife is a problem in California and across the nation, especially in spring. “Each species cares for and trains its young in unique ways,” said Nicole Carion, CDFW’s statewide coordinator for wildlife rehabilitation. “Some animals, such as...

Big Bear, CA, May 5, 2016 – In spring, hibernating bears emerge from their winter slumber and begin an almost perpetual search for food. It is not uncommon for a black bear to consume up to 20,000 calories a day. Unfortunately, this search can sometimes lead bears into populated areas and conflicts with humans. “A bear’s nose is seven times better than a hound dog’s, and it will lead a bear to anything that is edible or smelly”, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Once a bear finds an easy food source, it will return again and again to the same location. Not only can bears get sick from ingesting trash, they can also become dangerous as they begin to associate humans with food. In order to keep bears in the wild and people safe, CDFW provides the following Bear Aware tips for people living in or visiting bear country. For residents, purchase and properly use a bear-proof garbage container and wait to put trash out until the morning of collection day. Don’t leave trash, groceries or animal feed in your car. Keep barbecue grills clean and stored in a garage or shed when not in use. Don’t leave any scented products outside, including non-food items like suntan lotion and candles. Harvest fruit off trees as soon as it is ripe, and promptly collect fruit that falls. For campers and hikers, store anything smelly...

San Bernardino National Forest, CA, July 22, 2013 – The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is reminding residents across the state to be bear aware. Bears are more commonly found in residential areas toward the end of summer or right before hibernation in the fall months. But a healthy bear population and a dry winter and spring may be attracting bears to urban environments earlier than normal. Over the last few months, bears have been observed in residential areas, including areas where they have not been present for many decades. CDFW’s state bear program coordinator, Marc Kenyon, encourages residents to be extra diligent securing their trash and bear-proofing their homes, saying, “We want Californians to enjoy bears. However, we don’t want bears to become reliant on food intentionally or otherwise provided by people.” The black bear is the only species in California, and there are about 30,000 of them in the state. CDFW recommends the following safeguards for businesses and homeowners: Purchase and properly use a bear-proof garbage container. Wait to put trash out until the morning of collection day. Don’t leave trash, groceries, or animal feed in your car. Keep garbage cans clean and deodorize them with bleach or ammonia. Keep barbecue grills clean and stored in a garage or shed when not in use. Don’t leave any scented products outside — even non-food items such as...